Hollywood Producer Robert Simonds Acquires Controversial Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Group
Summary
Hollywood producer Robert Simonds acquires controversial Israeli spyware maker NSO Group in a multimillion-dollar deal, despite the company remaining on the US Commerce Department's banned entities list for targeting journalists and activists worldwide.
Key Points
- Israeli spyware maker NSO Group confirms acquisition by a US investment group led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds in a deal valued at tens of millions of dollars
- The company remains under Israeli regulatory control and maintains headquarters in Israel despite the US ownership change, with co-founder Omri Lavie ending his involvement
- NSO Group faces ongoing controversy for targeting journalists and activists globally and remains on the US Commerce Department's banned entities list since 2021